Australia’s east coast is under high alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred strengthens, moving towards Brisbane, the country’s third-largest city. Authorities have issued severe weather warnings covering more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) across Queensland and New South Wales,
Authorities have issued severe weather warnings covering more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) across Queensland and New South Wales, affecting millions of residents.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, destructive wind gusts of up to 155 kph (96 mph) could develop from Thursday afternoon (March 6), with the cyclone expected to make landfall near Brisbane early Friday morning (March 7) as a Category 2 storm.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged residents to take the situation seriously. "Prepare, take this seriously. This is a rare event, and the government is responding at all levels. Queenslanders, as well as those on the north coast of New South Wales, need to do the same," he said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli warned that the cyclone could hit the coast during high tide in the middle of the night, increasing the risk of severe flooding. "We are asking Queenslanders to prepare, and we are working across all levels of government to support the state through this difficult period," he stated.
Crisafulli also acknowledged that for many residents, this could be their first experience with a cyclone. "If you stay connected, follow the right steps, and make preparations now, you will get through this. We have been urging people to get ready for days, and now it’s a matter of hours rather than days. There’s still time—time to plan evacuation routes, secure homes, and stock up on essentials," he emphasized.
Although Category 2 cyclones are considered moderate on the five-tier scale, authorities warn they can still cause significant damage. Strong winds could bring down trees, damage caravans, and dislodge boats from their moorings.
Meanwhile, footage from Brunswick Heads in New South Wales, filmed on Wednesday (March 5), shows powerful waves crashing onto the shore. Reuters has verified the location by matching the beach layout with satellite imagery and confirming the date through the file’s metadata.
Authorities are also warning of extreme rainfall, with totals reaching up to 800 mm (31.5 inches) in some areas—exceeding the average for the entire month of March. The heavy downpours could trigger life-threatening flash flooding, adding to the risks posed by the approaching cyclone.
With emergency services on standby, officials are urging residents to stay informed and take immediate precautions as the storm approaches.
SpaceX has reported a sharp rise in quarterly revenue, fuelled by strong demand for its Starlink satellite internet service and rapid growth in its ar...
Qatar said on Tuesday mediators were making progress in efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war, driving oil prices lower, although Tehran has denied Preside...
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute between the two countries over am...
U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has a "last chance" to sign what he described as "a good document", claiming talks are continuing at Tehran's request with backing from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
Tehran had made plans to strike sites in Ukraine after Kyiv attacked an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, a senior Iranian military adviser has said. Iran refrained from taking action after Kyiv said the strike was a mistake, Mohsen Rezaei told the state IRIB TV channel.
Indonesian rescue teams are searching for 28 people still unaccounted for, three days after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Madura island.
Nauru, the world’s third smallest country, has changed its name to Naoero, the Pacific island nation’s President said. The new name corresponds to the spelling and pronunciation in the national language.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 3rd of August, covering the latest developments.
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute between the two countries over ambassadorial appointments and the treatment of diplomats.
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv has killed one person and injured at least 12 others, with emergency crews searching damaged buildings for survivors after overnight strikes across the Ukrainian capital.
Japan is carrying out its biggest military buildup since World War II, with Tokyo citing China's expanding military capabilities and increasingly assertive regional activities as the main reason for the shift in its defence strategy.
Iran and the U.S. are making conflicting statements about efforts to negotiate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump insists talks are under way, while Tehran maintains that negotiations remain on hold.
Romania blasted a rock outcrop to redirect cooling water from the drought-hit Danube River to its only operating nuclear reactor. The unprecedented measure highlights the growing impact of drought and the region's worsening energy crisis.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment